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Non Gaming Discussions => Off-Topic => Topic started by: Lavan on September 03, 2001, 08:07:14 AM

Title: Need help upgrading my computah
Post by: Lavan on September 03, 2001, 08:07:14 AM
Hi I\'m looking to upgrade my computer so I can play some of the newest PC games (Max Payne, CM 01/02 etc) but I don\'t know much about computers, and I don\'t have much money either (plus the weak-@ss Canadian dollar is not very kind when shopping for computers). I\'m hoping some of the computer geniuses here can help me out (please).

I have a P3 450 with an Asus P2B-F AGP motherboard with an Intel 440BX chipset (whatever the hell that means). From what I\'ve read I can\'t buy and install an AMD chip in my motherboard which is a shame since they\'re so damn cheap compared to the Intel ones. I could buy another motherboard but the only one in my price range is the \'Elitegroup K7VTA3\' - I\'ve never heard of the company so I\'m not sure how reliable it will be. If I get that mb then I gather I can get an AMD processor and I find that the following processors are in my price range (with the added cost of the no-name momma board):

*AMD K7-1 Giga Hz ThunderBird Cpu ( 266 Mhz FSB, Socket A ) W/ Cooling Fan
*AMD ATHLON-950 384K L1CACHE ThunderBird Cpu ( 200 Mhz FSB, Socket A ) W/ Cooling Fan

Are these two good for gaming? Are there any other considerations I need to take into account beyond the mammaboard and the CPU?

Another option within my price range is to get a:

*Celeron 900Mhz PPGA Pentium II Celeron (Flip Chip, 128K Cache) PPGA 900 Mhz Cpu W/ Cooling Fan

Is the celery any good, and is my motherboard compatible (?) -  it says it has \'Pentium III/Pentium II/Celeron support\' but Asus\' site always crashes my browser.

I\'d be really greatful for any help. Cheers.
Title: Need help upgrading my computah
Post by: Toxical on September 03, 2001, 08:37:10 AM
I think you might want to get an Athlon CPU for sure,
it will cost less, and the performance is great for the price.
You will need Main board + power supply? new case unless the main  board fits in your current case? i\'m not sure 100 percent, i have not done any thing hardware related since i got my P2-300 4 years ago... i have no idea what the new CPU\'s need in terms of connectors etc...  :D


A good place to start investigating is: http://www.tomshardware.com
Title: Need help upgrading my computah
Post by: THX on September 03, 2001, 08:48:53 AM
I\'d say go with the AMD 1Ghz and the Asus A7V KT133 Socket A mobo (http://www.asus.com/products/Motherboard/socketa/a7v/index.html).  The AMD is $71 and Asus is $87 online bringing your upgrade total to $158 plus shipping.  If you have an ATX case everything should install fine.

http://www.pricescan.com
Title: Need help upgrading my computah
Post by: Solid Snake 88 on September 03, 2001, 10:05:41 AM
With Athlons being so cheap theres really no reason to get a Duron or Celeron when you can get an Athlon for a few dollars more and have much better performance.
Most KT266 and K133 mobos are pretty good. Check around and read some hardware articles.
Title: Need help upgrading my computah
Post by: Lavan on September 03, 2001, 10:15:43 AM
Thanks guys, the help is much appreciated. If anyone else has any other suggestions please post them too. Cheers.
Title: Need help upgrading my computah
Post by: JP on September 03, 2001, 11:37:08 AM
Go to http://www.sharkyextreme.com
They always have good PC buying guides and stuff.

Here\'s the value gaming PC guide:
http://www.sharkyextreme.com/theguide/value_game_pc/

And here is the High-End gaming PC guide:
http://www.sharkyextreme.com/theguide/high_game_pc/

you should be able to find some good answers as to what you should choose...

BTW, don\'t ever buy a Celeron! You\'re much better off with an AMD Duron than a Celeron.
Title: Need help upgrading my computah
Post by: EmperorRob on September 03, 2001, 05:34:30 PM
Check these places for motherboard/ATHLON combos: